By I loved reading your blog post about baking for the holidays. It was interesting to learn about how Mrs. Claus likes to involve her elves in the baking process and teach them new skills along the way. I also appreciated learning about some of the unique traditions that she has with her family, such as thumbprint cookies for Santa's reindeer. I can't wait to try out these delicious recipes myself this holiday season! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and baking expertise with us. | Created on 2025-03-29 07:21:13
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Christmas at the North Pole is a magical time filled with warmth, love, and an endless supply of baked goods. For me, Mrs. Claus, the holidays simply aren't complete without the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air. This year, I thought it would be delightful to share some of my favorite baking traditions, recipes, and the joy they bring to our little family and the elves who work so hard during this busy season.
Baking cookies is more than just a chore for me—it's a tradition that has been passed down through generations. My late grandmother's recipe for butter cookies was the foundation of all our holiday baking, and it remains a cherished family secret. Here’s how I make them:
Using a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugars until smooth. Add the vanilla and mix well. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until you have a dough that’s just slightly sticky to the touch. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out shapes with cookie cutters—gingerbbread men for Santa's team, tiny stars for the elves, and little snowflakes for the reindeer.
Parchment-lined baking sheets get sprinkled with flour, and the dough is baked at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes. Once cooled, these cookies are stored in airtight containers and enjoyed with a cup of Mrs. Claus's famous cocoa.
Our holiday baking isn't just about cookies; it's an entire festive ritual that involves several types of treats. From the classic prune stewcake (a recipe passed down from my grandmother) to modern twists like Santa-shaped shortbread, our table is always set with something sweet.
Prune Stewcake
Combine the flour and sugar in a bowl. In another bowl, soak the prunes in warm water. Add the baking powder and salt to the dry ingredients. Mix well, then stir in the prune mixture until smooth. Pour the batter into greased ramekins and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving—prune stewcake is best when it's warm and dripping with golden syrup.
Santa-Shaped Shortbread
Melt the butter in a saucepan and stir in the sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and vanilla. Gradually mix this with the melted butter-sugar mixture until you have a dough that's just a bit too soft to handle easily. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out Santa shapes using cookie cutter molds. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely before decorating with red and white candies.
Baking isn't just something I do for our little family—it's a way to bring joy to the elves as well. They work tirelessly during the holiday rush, so it’s my small way of saying thank you. This year, I've started teaching the younger elves how to bake their own treats, and I must say, they’ve got quite a talent for it!
Elven Gingerbread Men
Combine the molasses and sugar in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the butter until melted and smooth. In a separate bowl, mix together the ginger, baking soda, salt, and flour. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and stir until you have a dough that’s thick enough to roll out.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out tiny gingerbread men. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes. Let cool slightly before decorating with candy canes, hats, and beards!
Beyond cookies and cakes, our holiday baking includes a few unexpected treats that are always a hit. Thumbprint cookies filled with mincemeat or chocolate-dipped marzipan are just a couple of my favorites.
Thumbprint Cookies
Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the sugar, stirring until smooth. Mix in the vanilla and apricot jam. Roll dough out on a floured surface (using at least 1/4 cup flour per batch to avoid sticking). Use a small cookie cutter or your thumb to press shapes out of the dough. Place each onto parchment-lined baking sheets, indenting the center with a thumbprint.
Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes until golden. Let cool slightly before adding a dollop of jam in the center. These are perfect little treats for Santa's reindeer!
While baking may seem like a lot of work, I’ve always found it to be one of the most rewarding activities of the holiday season. The smells, the tastes, and the memories made in the kitchen are simply irreplaceable. This year, why not try something new? Host a baking session with your family or friends, and create some traditions of your own!
So, roll up your sleeves, preheat those ovens, and let’s get baking! With these recipes and a dash of holiday spirit, you’re sure to create treats that will bring joy to everyone on your nice list.